Bonine vs. Dramamine: Similarities & Differences

Medically reviewed by Femi Aremu, PharmD

Orally administered Bonine (meclizine) and Dramamine (dimenhydrinate) are two of the most common over-the-counter (OTC) medications used to treat and prevent motion sickness.

Both drugs belong to a drug class called antihistamines. Antihistamines prevent and treat symptoms associated with motion sickness, such as nausea, vomiting, and dizziness.

Generally, while both are considered similar medications, understanding their existing differences, such as differences in their active ingredients and dosing guidelines, can help you choose the proper medication, whether for yourself or a loved one.

This article will conduct an in-depth comparison of Bonine versus Dramamine, comparing their effectiveness, dosing, storage requirements, side effects, and more.

Understanding Motion Sickness

Motion sickness occurs when a person's vision of motion differs from what their inner ear senses. As a result of this discrepancy, nausea, vomiting, or dizziness can occur. Motion sickness can occur in a car, boat, or motor vehicle.

The brain senses movement by receiving signals from your inner eyes, ears, and joints. Motion sickness can occur when these signals conflict and do not match.

Generally, females and children between the ages of 2 and 12 are more prone to motion sickness than other demographics, but the condition can affect anyone.

Some factors that may increase the chances of experiencing motion sickness include:

• History of an inner ear disorder

• Currently pregnant

• Currently taking a birth control medication

• A history of migraines

• Family history of motion sickness

• Currently experiencing menstrual periods

What Is Bonine?

Bonine is an OTC medication that contains the active ingredient meclizine. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved Bonine for preventing and treating nausea, vomiting, or dizziness caused by motion sickness.

Bonine is a chewable tablet approved for adults and children 12 and older. Children under 12 shouldn’t be given Bonine without consulting a pediatrician or other healthcare professional.

In addition to being available as a generic product, Meclizine is also available as a prescription (Rx) drug called Antivert. Healthcare providers may prescribe Antivert for other conditions that cause dizziness, such as vertigo.

Besides motion sickness, Bonine may be used more broadly for its antiemetic (anti-nausea) effects.

While not explicitly approved for this purpose, healthcare providers may recommend Bonine off-label to prevent or lessen nausea and vomiting from other causes, such as viral infections or headaches.

How Does Bonine Work?

Bonine works to prevent symptoms of motion sickness by blocking histamine receptors. When histamine binds to specific receptors, vomiting (emesis) can occur. Bonine, an antihistamine, mainly works by blocking histamine from binding, which helps to prevent and ease nausea.

It takes about an hour to start working. For this reason, it would be best to take your dose one hour before doing an activity that triggers motion sickness, such as riding in a car or boat.

Bonine is typically taken once a day; meclizine’s anti-nausea effects last up to 24 hours.

What Is Dramamine?

Oral Dramamine is an over-the-counter (OTC) medication that contains the active ingredient dimenhydrinate. The FDA approves Dramamine to relieve nausea, vomiting, and dizziness caused by motion sickness.

OTC Dramamine comes in two forms of administration: a swallow tablet and a chewable tablet. And this drug is approved for adults and children 2 and older.

Healthcare providers may also recommend Dramamine to treat or prevent nausea and vomiting from other causes.

Note that different versions of Dramamine are available. Brand-name products like Dramamine for Kids and Dramamine Original contain dimenhydrinate.

Other versions, such as Dramamine Less Drowsy, contain meclizine instead of dimenhydrinate (the same active ingredient as Bonine).

In addition, a “non-drowsy” version of Dramamine is also available. It contains ginger and does not contain an antihistamine ingredient. Be sure to read the product labels or consult a pharmacist to help find the product you’re looking for.

Finally, like Bonine, a generic version of Dramamine exists.

How Does Dramamine Work?

Like Bonine, Dramamine blocks histamine receptors in the body, resulting in anti-nausea effects.

Dramamine starts working within 30 to 60 minutes. You should take it half an hour to an hour before travel or other motion-sickness-causing activity.

Each dose lasts between four to eight hours. Unlike Bonine, Dramamine may be taken multiple times throughout the day if needed.

Dosing Comparison: Bonine vs. Dramamine

When taking either drug, follow the directions on the label, and ask a healthcare provider to explain anything you don't understand. Bonine and Dramamine should be taken as directed, meaning you shouldn't take more than what is recommended.

Additionally, be aware that the chewable tablets may be chewed or swallowed whole.

The table below compares the dosage forms, strengths, and recommended dosages of Bonine and Dramamine for adults and children:

Which Is More Effective?

Few studies directly compare Bonine vs. Dramamine.

In the early 1980s, NASA researchers compared different medications to prevent motion sickness, including dimenhydrinate (Dramamine) and meclizine (Bonine). They tested the drugs in situations that induce motion sickness, such as sea travel, air travel, and zero-gravity flights.

The researchers confirmed that both drugs effectively increased a person’s resistance to motion sickness. Ultimately, Bonine effectively prevented motion sickness due to mild motion, such as car travel, while Dramamine was effective against moderately intense motion.

The researchers did not recommend either drug for severely intense motion. Likewise, neither drug was found to be effective after motion sickness already developed.

This study suggests that individuals prone to motion sickness should take anti-nausea medication up to an hour before exposure to motion for best results. Taking Bonine or Dramamine when you already feel carsick is not as effective as taking it beforehand.

Dimenhydrinate starts working as soon as 30 minutes after you take it. This is a bit faster than meclizine, which requires about an hour to take effect. However, dimenhydrinate’s anti-nausea effects wear off faster. Dimenhydrinate lasts four to eight hours, while meclizine lasts up to 24 hours.

The details of the situation may determine which medication is a better option. For example, if one person intends to board a boat 30 minutes from now, the faster onset of dimenhydrinate makes it a better choice than meclizine.

However, if another person plans to board a long flight in an hour and hopes to avoid needing more doses while on board, meclizine is an ideal choice.

Talk to a pharmacist or healthcare provider for assistance choosing the best option to prevent motion sickness.

Preventing Motion Sickness and Vertigo

Various non-drug approaches exist to help prevent and limit motion sickness and vertigo. Experts recommend the following methods:

• Breathing techniques. Breathing exercises can help with motion sickness or vertigo. It alters your focus onto something other than movement, helping prevent motion sickness.

• Face forward. Conflicting senses, such as facing backward while riding on a train or subway, often lead to symptoms of motion sickness. Choosing a forward-facing seat may provide relief or prevent symptoms.

• Look at the horizon. Synchronizing the visual system by focusing on a single, unmoving point can help reduce head and eye movements, easing dizziness and nausea.

• Natural remedies. Various dietary supplements, such as ginger and vitamin C, may provide benefits in managing nausea due to motion sickness.

• Fresh air. Airflow can help ease nausea and distract you from feeling sick. Try putting down the car windows or pointing the air vents toward you.
  

Side Effects & Safety

Bonine and Dramamine share a similar set of side effects.

Common side effects of both Bonine and Dramamine are usually mild and may include:

• Drowsiness

• Dry mouth

• Decreased urination

• Headache

• Blurred vision

• Constipation

Notably, both Bonine and Dramamine may cause drowsiness. However, Dramamine (dimenhydrinate) typically causes more severe drowsiness than Bonine (meclizine).

Precautions

Bonine and Dramamine may not be safe for individuals with certain medical conditions.

Discuss motion sickness treatment options with a healthcare provider before taking Bonine or Dramamine if you have:

• Any type of glaucoma

• Asthma or other breathing problems, such as emphysema or chronic bronchitis

• Trouble with urination due to an enlarged prostate

If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, talk to a healthcare professional before taking either Bonine or Dramamine for motion sickness. They can help determine if these medications are safe for you.

Potential for Interaction

Dramamine and Bonine can cause drowsiness. This side effect can be worsened if either drug is taken with other medications or substances that cause drowsiness.

Examples of drugs or substances known to cause drowsiness to be avoided while taking Bonine or Dramamine include:

• Alcohol

• Insomnia medications, such as Ambien (zolpidem) or Lunesta (eszopiclone)

• Anti-anxiety medications, such as Xanax (alprazolam) or Ativan (lorazepam)

• Opioid pain medications, such as Oxycontin (oxycodone) or MS Contin (morphine)

• Other drugs that contain antihistamines, such as OTC cough medicines or sleep aids

Summary

Bonine and Dramamine are similar OTC medications for motion sickness. Dramamine contains dimenhydrinate, which starts working more quickly but causes more drowsiness.

Bonine contains meclizine, which provides long-lasting effects and is associated with less drowsiness.

They are both effective for preventing symptoms of nausea, vomiting, or dizziness if taken early enough. Taking either drug up to an hour before starting the activity that triggers motion sickness is essential.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I store Bonine vs. Dramamine while traveling?

Bonine and Dramamine require no special storage considerations while traveling. Store them in a closed container at room temperature (between 68 and 77 degrees F), away from moisture.

Dramamine requires more frequent dosing than Bonine, so keep it handy (e.g., not in your checked luggage) if traveling for more than four hours.

How costly is Bonine vs. Dramamine?

There isn’t much of a cost difference between Bonine and Dramamine. Generally, it costs around $10 for either a 16-count pack of Bonine chewable tablets or an 18-count pack of Dramamine chewable tablets.

Depending on how long you’ll be exposed to motion, remember that Dramamine is taken every four to eight hours, while Bonine is taken once daily.

Can motion sickness or vertigo be a sign of a more serious underlying condition?

Possibly. Dizziness can sometimes indicate a problem with the inner ear, which helps control balance.

Talk to a healthcare provider if motion sickness medications and other methods aren’t helping. They will check for other possible causes.